Akbar Kakkattil facts for kids
Akbar Kakkattil (born July 7, 1954 – died February 17, 2016) was a well-known Indian writer. He wrote many short stories and novels. He was from the state of Kerala.
Life Story
Akbar Kakkattil was born on July 7, 1954, in a place called Kakkattil in Vadakara. He was the only son of his parents, Mr. P. Abdulla and Mrs. Kunjhamina. He went to school at Parayil L P School and Sanskrit Secondary School Vattoli.
He studied at different colleges for his higher education. He went to Farook College and Government College, Madappally to study English. Later, he studied Malayalam at Sree Kerala Varma College and Government Brennen College, Thalassery. He also got a teaching degree from Government Brennen College Of Teacher Education, Thalassery.
While in college, he was elected as the chairman of the College Union at two different colleges. He was also a member of the Calicut University Union. For about 30 years, Akbar Kakkattil worked as a Malayalam teacher in various schools. He spent a long time teaching at National Higher Secondary School, Vattoli.
Akbar Kakkattil was also involved in many important groups. He was a member of the governing body for the South Zone Cultural Centre of the Indian government. He also worked with the Kerala State Institute of Children's Literature. He helped with committees for school books, art, TV, and movies. He was also a part of the Malayalam Advisory Board for Kendra Sahitya Akademi. He served as the vice president of the Kerala Sahitya Academi. He passed away on February 17, 2016.
His Writing Journey
Akbar Kakkattil started writing when he was just fourteen years old. He published his first short stories in a special section for children in a popular Malayalam weekly called Mathrubhumi. His very first story, Pothichoru, was published in 1969.
He wrote a lot during his life, creating 54 books in total! These books included four novels and many collections of short stories and essays. He also wrote memoirs, a play, and critical essays.
He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award two times. The first time was in 1992 for his book School Diary, which was a collection of short essays. The second time was in 2004 for his novel Vadakkuninnoru Kudumba Vrithantham.
The government also honored him twice. In 1998, his novel Sthrynam won the Joseph Mundassery Award. He also received a Television Award in 2002 for the best story writer for the TV show School Diary.
In 1992, he received a special fellowship for literature from the Government of India. He also won the Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award in 2002. He received many other awards too, like the S K Pottakkad award and the Malayala Manorama Prize.
Some of his stories have been translated into English. His book about Adoor Gopalakrishnan was translated into Tamil. His novel Mrithyuyogam was translated into Kannada.
Some of His Works
Akbar Kakkattil wrote many different kinds of books. Here are a few examples from his large collection:
Short Stories
- Ee Vazhi Vannavar (1978)
- Adhyapaka Kathakal (1989)
- Aaram Kalam (1992)
- Oru Vayanakariyute Aavalathikal (2000)
- Jeansitta Penkuttiye Ottaykku Kittiyal Enthu Cheyyanam? (2007)
Novelettes
- Randum Rand (1982)
- Moonnum Moonn (1993)
Novels
- Mruthyu Yogam (1989)
- Strainam (1995)
- Vadakkuninnoru Kudumba Vrithaantham (2001)
Essays
- School Diary (1989)
- Anubhavam Orma Yathra (2010)
Children's Literature
- Nokkoo, Ayal Ningngalil Thanneyund (2008)
Awards and Recognitions
Akbar Kakkattil received many awards for his writing and contributions:
- Merit Scholarship for Sanskrit from the state government (1967–'70)
- Malayala Manorama Prize for Essay Writing (1971)
- Calicut University Union Prize for Novel (1974)
- Ankanam literary Award for 'Shameelafahmi' (1987)
- S K Pottekkatt Award for "Mrithyuyogam' (1991)
- Indian Government Fellowship for Literature (1992)
- Kerala Sahithya Academy Awards for 'School Diary' (1992) and 'Vadakku Ninnoru Kutumbavrithantham' (2003)
- Joseph Mundasseri Award for 'Sthrainam' (1998)
- State Television Award for best story (School Diary 2000)
- Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award (Novel) for 'Vadakku Ninnoru Kutumbavrithantham' (2002)
- Rajeev Gandhi Peace Foundation Award for 'Selected Stories' (2003)
- Dubai Pravasi Book Trust Award (2012)
